To: Board of Supervisors
From: Probation
SUBJECT:
Supplemental Budget for Budget Unit 294 - Eureka Police Department Communication Systems Consoles Upgrade (4/5 vote required)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors approve the attached supplemental budget for budget unit 294, line 3225, for the Eureka Police Department Communications Systems Console upgrade.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Humboldt County Public Safety Realignment Allocation
DISCUSSION:
On August 15, 2018, Chief Watson and Captain Stephens from Eureka Police Department (EDP) presented a one-time funding request to the Humboldt County Community Corrections Partnership (HCCCP) Executive Committee in the amount of $434,251.37 to replace their agency’s 6 dispatch console systems. The dispatch console systems are nearing the end of their lifecycle and are no longer supported by the manufacturing company, resulting in significant coverage gaps that pose a serious threat to officer safety.
The Eureka Police Department’s communications center is the only center in the area that dispatches all three disciplines: police, fire, and emergency medical services. Having reliable, modern communications equipment and services is vital for the ability to protect and serve the community and ensure officer safety. EPD currently provides dispatch services for the Humboldt County Probation Department and regularly partners with and supports Probation Officers as they pursue absconders and conduct probation compliance checks in the greater Eureka area.
The Eureka Police Department is in grave need of a complete overhaul of their entire radio system to include infrastructure, subscribers, and dispatch console systems. The full cost of this project is anticipated to be well over $1,000,000. The opportunity to obtain funding for the replacement of the EPD communications system is crucial to the agency’s ability to complete this project and continue providing high-level public safety services to the community.
The HCCP Executive Committee thoroughly discussed the proposal. After hearing the discussion, Chief Watson amended the proposal to request $250,000 in one time funds or approximately half of the amount required to replace the console. The amended proposal was voted on and approved by the committee.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost of this one-time funding request is $250,000. The funding will come from the Humboldt County Public Safety Realignment Allocation, which has a current trust balance of $6,980,312. This request was supported by the Humboldt County Community Corrections Partnership through a vote on August 15, 2018. There is no impact to the County General Fund.
This request supports the Board’s strategic framework by providing for and maintaining infrastructure, as well as building interjurisdictional and regional cooperation.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Eureka Police Department
Humboldt County Community Corrections Partnership Executive Committee
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may elect not to approve this request, which is not recommended based on the Eureka Police Department’s unique geographic location, high volume of dispatch traffic, and the need to provide reliable communications to ensure community safety.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Eureka Police Department one-time funding proposal for Communications Systems Console upgrade
2. Humboldt County Community Corrections Partnership Executive Committee DRAFT minutes from
August 15, 2018.
3. Supplemental Budget in budget unit 294 - 4/5 vote required.
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A